Question

Which of the following literary terms refer to a play on words where a word has two or more meanings, or words that sound similar but have different meanings?
(A). Alliteration
(B). Pun
(C). Symbolism
(D). Allusion

% The combination options listed in the OCR are from the next question. This question's options are the terms themselves.

• A. Alliteration
• B. Pun
• C. Symbolism
• D. Allusion

Hint:

Puns are all about double meanings. A famous example from Shakespeare is in Romeo and Juliet, where the dying Mercutio says, "Ask for me to-morrow, and you shall find me a grave man." Here, "grave" means both "serious" and "in a grave."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the literary term that defines a "play on words." This involves using a word's multiple meanings or similar-sounding words for humorous or rhetorical effect.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the definitions of the given terms:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) Alliteration: The repetition of the same sound at the beginning of words in a phrase or sentence (e.g., "she sells seashells"). This is a sound device, not a play on meaning. } \\ \bullet & \text{(B) Pun: A pun is a form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a term, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect. This exactly matches the definition given in the question. } \\ \bullet & \text{(C) Symbolism: The use of objects, people, or ideas to represent something else (e.g., a dove representing peace). This deals with representative meaning, not a play on words. } \\ \bullet & \text{(D) Allusion: An indirect reference to a person, place, event, or another work of literature (e.g., calling someone a "Scrooge"). This is a referential device, not a play on words. } \\ \end{array}\] Therefore, the only term that fits the description is a pun.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct term is Pun.